I got a pool pump that on a 110 circuit it pulls 18.5 amps and on a 230 circuit it pulls 9.6. Right now it is temporarily set up for 110 but it recommends 230. My question is that the disconnect that I got is a 50 amp disconnect and if I have to run wire capable of 50 amps even though the pump will never pull the full 50 amps so I was wondering what size wire gauge should I use. Or is there an alternative to my problem
wire size for a pool pump
- Thread starter slumps37
- Start date
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izak
Senior Member
- Location
- Springfield, MO
Re: wire size for a pool pump
pull # 10 wire and put it on a 2 pole 20 amp breaker
wire it for 240
pull # 10 wire and put it on a 2 pole 20 amp breaker
wire it for 240
electricman2
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Re: wire size for a pool pump
Why #10?
poolsparky
Member
Re: wire size for a pool pump
hey slumps, 50A is the maximum on that A/C disconnect, there is no minimum. written on the disconnect is the legal wire size range for it's lugs. like "line in lugs #6 - #14".
680.21 (A) (4), 2002 code, will let you run 12/2 with groud romex, to the disconnect. IF: 1. one family dwelling 2. romex only runs inside the house 3. no other piece of pool equipment is on that circuit.
otherwise, the circuit must be piped(680.21 (A) (1)), with a minimum #12 insulated green grounding conductor.
if you use a breaker as your disconnect, the panelboard must be fed with a min of 30A (215.2 (A) (2)). therefore, #10s and the grounding conducter must be insulated and green. the run must be piped (680.25 (A))
hey slumps, 50A is the maximum on that A/C disconnect, there is no minimum. written on the disconnect is the legal wire size range for it's lugs. like "line in lugs #6 - #14".
680.21 (A) (4), 2002 code, will let you run 12/2 with groud romex, to the disconnect. IF: 1. one family dwelling 2. romex only runs inside the house 3. no other piece of pool equipment is on that circuit.
otherwise, the circuit must be piped(680.21 (A) (1)), with a minimum #12 insulated green grounding conductor.
if you use a breaker as your disconnect, the panelboard must be fed with a min of 30A (215.2 (A) (2)). therefore, #10s and the grounding conducter must be insulated and green. the run must be piped (680.25 (A))
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: wire size for a pool pump
MC Cable is quicker and easer.
izak
Senior Member
- Location
- Springfield, MO
Re: wire size for a pool pump
just because all i HAVE to run is #12 doesnt mean thats what i will run, especially on my own stuff...
A/C unit pulls 19 amps at 240? #6 wire baby!!!
cause i LIKE upsizing wire on motors and such
just because all i HAVE to run is #12 doesnt mean thats what i will run, especially on my own stuff...
A/C unit pulls 19 amps at 240? #6 wire baby!!!
Re: wire size for a pool pump
izak,
Roger
[ October 16, 2004, 01:03 AM: Message edited by: roger ]
izak,
but why, and why would you tell Slump37 to use a larger than necessary conductor without putting this disclaimer in your first post?
In the original question a # 14 (with a # 12 EGC) would be all that you would HAVE to run.
Roger
[ October 16, 2004, 01:03 AM: Message edited by: roger ]
izak
Senior Member
- Location
- Springfield, MO
Re: wire size for a pool pump
why do i like upsizing wire on motors?
they tend to run more efficiently that way
why did I 'not add my disclaimer' ??
because it was an Opinion
which is alot of what i see on this board
larger wire is Never wrong In My Opinion,
if you can afford it
plus it leaves room for future...
like.. putting in a larger motor
sorry, but Ive watched alot of Tom Henry's videos, and he is big on upsizing wire when its practical
why do i like upsizing wire on motors?
they tend to run more efficiently that way
why did I 'not add my disclaimer' ??
because it was an Opinion
which is alot of what i see on this board
larger wire is Never wrong In My Opinion,
if you can afford it
plus it leaves room for future...
like.. putting in a larger motor
sorry, but Ive watched alot of Tom Henry's videos, and he is big on upsizing wire when its practical
pierre
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
Re: wire size for a pool pump
Branch circuits for pools can be installed using the proper 'type' MC cable, but is most likely not the standard method.
Feeders for pools cannot use MC cable, there are only 4 wiring methods permitted for feeders, with 2 additional types that have restrictions to the installation parameters.
Pools/Spas seem to cause some consternation for electricians that I come across. I believe one of the reasons for that is 'supplyhouse talk'. Too much misinformation being thrown around.
If you were to take a look at any bookstore or online source for books, you will see very, very few books that deal with pool wiring. Even the pool suppliers have very little info available... Hmm... do we have any potential authors out there?
Branch circuits for pools can be installed using the proper 'type' MC cable, but is most likely not the standard method.
Feeders for pools cannot use MC cable, there are only 4 wiring methods permitted for feeders, with 2 additional types that have restrictions to the installation parameters.
Pools/Spas seem to cause some consternation for electricians that I come across. I believe one of the reasons for that is 'supplyhouse talk'. Too much misinformation being thrown around.
If you were to take a look at any bookstore or online source for books, you will see very, very few books that deal with pool wiring. Even the pool suppliers have very little info available... Hmm... do we have any potential authors out there?
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: wire size for a pool pump
680.21(A)(1) requires MC listed for the location, not the application.
In other words use MC in dry locations unless you get the MC type listed for wet locations.
Using MC is a common method in this area, MC from panel to sill then change to PVC for outside.
Of course if you got the right type of MC you could run it all the way to the pump.
We call it parking deck MC but it is MC with a liquidtight jacket.
Looking at 330.10(A)(12)(c) any of the MC I commonly use could go all the way to the pump.
[ October 16, 2004, 05:47 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]
I am not sure what you mean about the proper type.
680.21(A)(1) requires MC listed for the location, not the application.
In other words use MC in dry locations unless you get the MC type listed for wet locations.
Using MC is a common method in this area, MC from panel to sill then change to PVC for outside.
Of course if you got the right type of MC you could run it all the way to the pump.
We call it parking deck MC but it is MC with a liquidtight jacket.
Looking at 330.10(A)(12)(c) any of the MC I commonly use could go all the way to the pump.
[ October 16, 2004, 05:47 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]
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